A little arguing now and then is good for you, if done for the right reasons, a new study suggests.
The results show when people experience tension with someone, whether their boss, spouse, or child, sidestepping confrontation could be bad for their health. Avoiding conflict was associated with more symptoms of physical problems the next day than was actually engaging in an argument.
Bypassing bickering was also associated with abnormal rises and falls of the stress hormone cortisol throughout the day.
"Relationships have important influences on how we feel on a daily basis, especially the problems in our relationships," said study researcher Kira Birditt, of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. "How we deal with problems affects our daily well-being," she said.
Previous research has shown married couples who avoid argumentsare more likely to die earlier than their expressive counterparts. Another study found that expressing angercontributes to a sense of control and optimism that doesn't exist in people who respond in a fearful manner.
The study was presented here on Aug. 12 at the 118th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.
To fight or not to fight In a previous study, Birditt and her colleagues found that the most common way for people to deal with their interpersonal problems is to simply avoid them. The researchers wanted to know the health impacts of this avoidance behavior.
They analyzed data from 1,842 adults ages 33 to 84 who took part in the Nation Study of Daily Experiences. Each day for eight days, participants were asked whether they had engaged in an argumentor whether they had experienced a situation in which they could have argued but decided to let it pass without a fight. The subjects also gave saliva samples for four of the days.
Most participants, 62 percent, said they sidestepped arguments at some point during the study, 41 percent reported engaging in conflict. Twenty-seven percent of participants indicated no tension.
Those who had some type of tension (whether they avoided it or not) reported more negative emotions, such as feeling upset or angry, and physical symptoms, including nausea or aches and pains, than did people who didn't experience any tension during those eight days.
However, avoiding conflict was associated with having more of these physical symptoms the following day, Birditt said.
Stressed out Abstaining from arguments was also linked to an unusual daily cortisol pattern. Typically, a person experiences a peak in their cortisol levels just after waking, and the stress hormone declines throughout the day. People who avoided arguments saw a sharper rise in their morning cortisol levels and a slower decline over time. "They're less able to calm down over the course of a day," Birditt said.
While the researchers aren't sure what this could mean in terms of overall physical health, it's thought that any abnormalities in daily cortisol patterns could be problematic, Birditt said.
Interestingly, those who argued actually saw a lower rise in their morning cortisol levels. This might be because "people who have lots of arguments and chronic stresses in their relationships are less reactive to tension over time," Birditt said. Essentially a ticking bomb versus one that's already released its power in a more gradual way.
Future work might shed light on the cortisol-arguing link and its impact on health. In addition, Birditt hopes future work might reveal whether it's better to avoid arguments in certain situations, say with a coworker, and engage in them in others, like with a spouse.
Go ahead and argue, it can be good for ur health
Carrot really helps ur eyesight
Carrot really helps your eyesight. It also contains vitamin A in large quantities in the form of beta carotene. Due to the usefulness of carrot it has been considered as one of the top most salad requirements.
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Eye Care For You
Eye Care
Eyes have been described as being windows of the soul. However, most of us barely realize the role our eyes play in our world unless we find ourselves jarringly made aware of this sense by being brought into contact with someone who has an infirmity or loss of vision or when our vision seems to be failing.
At such times, we may find ourselves shuddering at the thought of a world without light, color, shape and beauty. An awareness of our vision, the problems that could affect our eyes, and some measures that can be applied to avoid these problems can help with caring adequately for our eyes.
Eye care is necessary
There are several reasons why eye care is essential for us. Some of these include:
* Vision is an essential sense. Our life would be incomplete if we were deprived of vision even in one eye.
* Drinking secretly or alone.
* Our eyes are essential to help with the performance of our daily activities so that we are able to fit in with our world and as not be a dependent burden on those close to us.
* Eyes are essential to the full enjoyment of our life. Imagine the loss of a mother who cannot see her child’s smile, but must only receive it by touch, thereby losing out on part of the beauty of this simple emotion!
* The cost of corrective treatment for eyes that have not been well cared for is much more than what would have been expended on preventive measures in the form of eye care.
* Social activities would be constrained in an individual with impaired or lack of vision, though current advances in science have been fighting this effect with significant success in several areas.
As vision is so essential, a limiting of vision or the lack thereof can result in curtailment of employment and vocational opportunities.
Defects affecting vision
Some of the common defects affecting vision include:
* myopia (near-sightedness) ,
* hypermetropia (far-sightedness) ,
* astigmatism,
* glaucoma,
* cataract,
* diabetic and hypertensive retinopathies.
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Caring for the eyes
Just a few simple activities that are factored into one’s daily routine can provide significant eye care support. These include:
* Annual eye check ups. These will have a professional evaluate your eyes and will ensure that any problems that are in the incipient stage are identified and arrested with appropriate treatment.
* Avoid rubbing or meddling with the eyes and eyelashes. If there is a problem, such as itching or redness, consult a doctor instead of resorting to self-treatment.
* Avoid looking directly at bright, intense sources of light.
* Television watching should be indulged in only from a distance of 6 feet and should be restricted to 2–3 h at a stretch.
* Avoid use of chemical substances in and around the eye. Eyeliners, eye shadows, etc., should be used minimally and with caution so as to avoid contact to the inside of the eye or the cornea.
* Seek medical attention if you suspect your vision is diminishing. Some symptoms of problems with vision include:
o Diminishing vision.
o Redness or irritation in the eye.
o Pain within the eyes or persistent or severe headaches.
o Double vision.
o Watering or discharge from the eyes.
o Intermittent flashes of light or sparks in vision.
o Protrusion of the eyes occurring suddenly.
o Spots or defects in the visual field.
* Treat infections of surrounding areas with timely and effective antibiotics. For example, infections of the sinuses can also cause inflammatory reactions to occur around the eye and can contribute to pressure that can alter vision in cases with chronic sinusitis.
* Follow the prescription for glasses provided after vision testing. If self-conscious about wearing glasses, ensure that you try out contact lenses or explore options of Lasik or ophthalmic surgery.
* Workplace eyestrain is an increasing component of occupational disorders. Some measures to reduce eyestrain at the workplace includes keeping the computer at an appropriate distance and height, looking away from the screen often enough to provide relaxation of the eye muscles, wearing appropriate prescription glasses or lenses, avoiding exposure to bright intense light or ultraviolet light.
* Relaxation techniques. Remember that your eyes need relaxation and care if they are to last for all your life. Apply cool compresses over your eyes if they feel strained or worn out.
52 Ways To Perfect Health
1. Drink eight glasses of water a day.
2. Include two vegetables and one fruit in every meal.
3. Begin each meal with a raw vegetable salad.
4. Make a light snack of assorted sprouts.
5. Start the day with a glass of warm water and a dash of lime.
6. Use only fresh vegetables.
7. Once a week have only fresh fruits until noon, make lunch the first meal of the day.
8. Eat only freshly cooked meals, not refrigerated leftovers.
9. Include one green vegetable and one yellow vegetable in every meal.
10. Go on a juice fasta for a day. Start with vegetable juice, and sip fruit for lunch and dinner.
11. Kick the old coffee habit. Have a glass of fresh fruit juice instead.
12. Cut out all deep-fried foods from your diet.
13. Cut down on high sugar products like soft drinks, ice-cream, candy and cookies in your diet.
14. Never skip a meal, even if you are on a diet. Eat a fresh fruit or have vegetable juice instead.
15. Avoid beverages like soda, coffee, colas and so on.
16. Include high fibre foods plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains in planning your diet.
17. Use salt in moderation
18. Wash vegetables throughly in clean water before chopping.
19. Stream or boil vegetables (rather than fry or saute.
20. Retain peels of potato, cucumber, carrot and tomato while cooking.
21. Do take a moment off to mentally list out the nutritional value of the food you are about to eat.
22. Dont rush through your meals. Set aside enough time to appreciate, enjoy and digest your food.
23. Make every meal an enjoyable experience. Set dishes out attractively and chew slowly to appreciate the full flavour of the foods you eat.
24. Choose to be radiantly healthy. Keep yourself informed about the nutritive value of every food you buy.
25. Shop for groceries yourself. Notice the look, feel and smell of fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy their intrinsic goodness.
26. Watch out for eating habits paired with emotional states, like reaching for a chocolate when you’re depressed. Resist the urge and eat fruit instead.
27. Eat popcorn (rather than chips) while watching a movie.
28. Sit at the table at meal times. Dont read the paper or review bills while eating.
29. Make it a point to have dinner with the entire family at the table, and not in front of the TV.
30. Eat just to the point of the fullness. Dont stuff yourself!
31. Stop smoking.
32. Restrict alcohol consumption.
33. Get a good night sleep, every night.
34. Enrol today in an exercise programme.
35. Take a brisk, 20 minute invigorating walk each morning.
36. Spend 10 minutes every morning and evening doing basic stretches.
37. Do not use elevators when you can climb the stairs.
38. Enrol in a TM programme today.
39. Focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath, then exhale slowly. Repeat a couple of times a day.
40. Learn to relax. Spend 20 minutes consciously relaxing each muscle of your body.
41. Spend 20 minutes a day in silent meditation, prayer or contemplation.
42. Learn the healing power of laughter. Watch a crazy movie, recall a joke or read a funny book and laugh out loud.
43. Tap the powers of your sub-conscious. Relax your body for 20 minutes and project the Perfect You on your mind screen.
44. Balance your lifestyle. Devote equal time each week to work and fun.
45. Join kids in a sports activity and rediscover the joys of childhood.
46. Do keep in touch with friends. Call up or visit them and be at peace with the world.
47. Enrol in an activity (like dancing, swimming or roller skating…) you never indulged in because you were afraid of “what people might say.
48. Forgive someone who you think has done you wrong and cleanse your spirit of rancour.
49. Do a nice turn to someone you dont know too well, but who could do with a friend.
50. Spend a quiet half-hour chatting with your family.
51. Listen to soothing music for 15 minutes at least each day.
52. Read a great book once a week.
Read my lips: Gloss tells your mood
What it is: Mood Swing Emotionally Activated Lip Gloss ($18.50 at toofaced.com)
What it claims to do: This lip gloss lets your lips "express your deepest emotions" by changing shades along with your mood, according to Too Faced Cosmetics. "Are you in love, jealous, angry, happy or hot and bothered? Your lips will tell the tale!" the manufacturer promises. Additional benefits of the product: sunscreen protection, restored elasticity and instant rejuvenation and hydration for extra dry, flaky lips.
Our experience: I've always been intrigued by mood rings, those clunky baubles from the '70s that changed color depending on your mood (or rather, the temperature of the thermotropic liquid crystals contained within the "stone"). If your ring was blue and your temperature was up, you were in a good mood. If it was yellow, you were tense. If it was black, your ring was either damaged or it was too cold (most people just assumed you were in a foul mood). Mine, inevitably, was black.
Mood Swing lip gloss seemed like a fun twist on the old mood ring theme, with the hues limited to the pink family (no need to worry about going around with black lips if I was in a black mood) and the moods coyly linked to various degrees of passion. Petal Pink, the shade I chose (other options include Berry Pink, Pink Shimmer and Original – all "product tested on celebrities not animals"), was designed to go from "pearl to your perfect shade of petal pink," depending on your emotional state. Those states were cheekily defined on the side of the package as Totally Zen (nearly white lips) to Slightly Smitten (pearly pink) to Feelin' Frisky (light pink) to Dirty Thoughts (darker pink) to Hot & Bothered (fuchsia) to Basking in the Afterglow (a deep rich pink bordering on red).
The first time I applied it, the gloss immediately conjured up memories of grade school –not because of the mood ring connection but the consistency. It was thick and white and sticky, and I suddenly felt like I was putting strawberry-scented Elmer's Glue on my mouth. The white (or Totally Zen shade) quickly dissolved into a pearly pink, though; apparently, I was already Slightly Smitten. Since I don't have a current beau, I decided to test the passion factor by surfing the TV, hoping for a rerun of "Casino Royale" or "Ocean's Eleven." Unfortunately, I couldn't locate George Clooney or Brad Pitt or Matt Damon, so I made due with a rakishly handsome local newscaster. Sure enough, within minutes, my lips appeared to be either Feelin' Frisky or to be having Dirty Thoughts, although it could also just have been bad lighting.
I continued to use Mood Swing over the next few days – while watching TV at home, while out at a bar with a girlfriend, during heated discussions with my sisters, before heading to the dentist – trying to determine whether the lip gloss was actually responding to changes in my emotional state. At the bar, my girlfriend and I both smeared some of the stuff on then started asking each other pointed questions about our favorite cinematic hunks. Daniel Craig seemed to get a small reaction out of her; Jon Hamm – "Mad Men's" Don Draper – she claimed, did the same for me (sorry, George!). But again, the lighting wasn't the best and alcohol – and wishful thinking – may have been a factor. Sadly, the strongest change in color seemed to take place right before I left for the dentist's office for a scheduled root canal. Granted, I was a little Hot & Bothered, but not in what I'd call a good way.
What the experts say: Dr. Hema Sundaram, a Washington, D.C., dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon and author of "Face Value: The Truth about Beauty – And a Guilt-Free Guide to Finding It" says Mood Swing Lip Gloss does indeed work off the same body temperature principal as the mood rings from the 1970s. "It's a grown-up mood ring for your lips," she says. "It's make-up as play."
As for its claims regarding sunscreen protection, restored elasticity, and moisturizing, she says they all seem reasonable. "It has some color in it and it has some emollients and it has a little bit of sunscreen," she says. "I can't evaluate the claims fully because I don't know the proportions of the ingredients and it doesn't give an SPF, but it seems to be a souped-up lip gloss. It's going to lubricate – it will give the lips a smoother feel – and it has this body-temperature sensitivity."
Mood Swing does contain Vitamin E, so people with Vitamin E allergies may want to avoid this product, she says. And some women may not appreciate its youthful range of bubble gum shades. "A professional woman is probably not going to be wearing this during the day," she says. "Basically, this is a lip balm for the teen/tween set – or for the inner child within a grown woman. It's tapping into the playful side, the young side, the side that likes to go for tarot readings and call the psychic hotline. It's the makeup equivalent of a fortune cookie – it has the element of surprise."
Bottom line: Much like mood rings, Mood Swing lip gloss was fun to play with, but I'd have to say it's not a product I'd use regularly. The strawberry smell was a bit too reminiscent of those Bonne Bell Lip Smackers my classmates used to wear in seventh grade and the various shades of shimmery pink were far too cotton candy-ish for my taste – or my age. It did do a good job with moisturizing; I used much less lip balm with it than when I wore my normal lipstick. And it was definitely a fun conversation starter, which may be more in keeping with its true intent. All in all, I'd have to say Mood Swing wasn't exactly a sophisticated mood indicator (seriously, going to the dentist makes me hot?), but it did manage to keep my lips moist and colorful and to capture a fair amount of attention. Particularly that of the cute guy sitting next to me at the bar who asked me out.
By Diane Mapes
What your hair color says about you
Protect your peepers. Women have a higher risk than men of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye condition that can cause blindness. And fair-haired females are especially prone to AMD, says Svetlana Kogan, M.D., founder of Doctors at Trump Place in New York City. A diet rich in the natural compounds lutein and zeaxanthin — found in kale, spinach, and snow peas — can help fend it off. Kogan suggests munching on one cup of the green veggies every day.
Cover up. Melanin gives skin its color and helps shield it from harmful UV rays, says dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, M.D., president emeritus of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery. Thing is, blondes produce less of the stuff, which leaves their skin (and especially their scalps) at a higher risk for melanoma. Buy a full-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen that shields against harmful UVA and UVB rays. And don't neglect your head: "Blondes should always wear a hat when they're in direct sunlight," says Schlessinger.
If you're a brunette...
Hold on to your hair. More than half of the 30 million American women with visible hair loss are brunettes. That could be because they have less hair to begin with: "Brown tresses are generally coarser and thicker than blonde or red strands, and your body produces fewer of them," Schlessinger says. So when brown hair follicles die, they leave behind more noticeable thin patches. Stave off sparse coverage by eating right. Low iron can contribute to hair loss, so start swallowing 18 milligrams a day; one cup of fortified oatmeal will provide your daily fill.
Stub out that butt. Your chestnut mane is the result of lots of melanin, which could fast-track your dependency on nicotine. The reason: Melanin prevents your liver from quickly metabolizing the drug, and the longer it's in your system, the faster you become hooked. Animal studies suggest that vitamin C helps keep your liver in top shape. Swallow 75 milligrams a day in the form of half a cup of red peppers or a medium-size orange. Your best bet, though, is never to pick up a cancer stick. Period.
Snag a boyfriend. Do gentlemen really prefer blondes? Nope, according to Florida State University research. Not when it comes to long-term relationships. Plus, according to a 3,000-person survey, men prefer brunettes as serious mates because they see them as more reliable and steady. If you're not looking for a long-term thing, try a little spontaneity: Make the first move by slipping that cute guy your digits.
If you're a redhead...
Watch your mouth. The next time Lindsay Lohan goes in for a cavity filling, she might want to ask for extra Novocain. Fiery locks, it turns out, stem from an inherited DNA mutation that also makes redheads resistant to general and local anesthetics, says Daniel Sessler, M.D., an anesthesiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. In fact, carrot tops may need up to 20 percent more numbing juice than blondes or brunettes. But don't let a little hurt keep you from getting good oral care: Talk to your dentist about pain management prior to plopping down in her chair, or take 500 milligrams of ibuprofen one hour before the appointment.
Look out for Parkinson's. A recent Harvard study found that redheads have an almost 90 percent greater chance of developing the disease. Why? Possibly because of that same gene mutation: It influences another type of gene that, when also mutated, can be associated with Parkinson's. On the plus side, research shows that folic acid might delay the progression of the illness. Margaret Lewin, M.D., medical director of Cinergy Health, advises taking 400 micrograms a day (more if you're pregnant). A multivitamin has all the folic acid most women need.
Stock up on condoms. Redheads make red-hot lovers, or so the stereotype goes. One thing's for sure: They get a lot more action, according to one study. This might be due to a self-fulfilling prophecy, says Kogan. "Red is associated with fire, and fire is associated with passion," she says. "Often, you become what people expect of you." Something others are eager to try: Recent Clairol research shows nearly 40 percent of people said they'd go scarlet for a day if they could.
12 secrets to staying young
Why it matters: If you log two-plus hours of physical activity a week, you’re up to 30 percent less likely to die in the next 20 years than if you do less or none at all. Exercise — even if it’s frolicking in the surf or dancing to your favorite tunes — helps keep weight and blood pressure in check, lowering your risk for disease.
2. What is your body-mass index? Calculate yours at Self.com.
Ideal: Under 25
Why it matters: Active women whose BMI (a measure of body fat) falls between 18.5 and 22.9 may be 2.5 times more likely to age free of disease than overweight, sedentary women. Excess body fat secretes proteins and acids that can up your risk for cancer and more. A BMI below 23 is best, but less than 25 is good. Keep on movin’!
3. What is your waist circumference? Ideal: Less than 35 inches
Why it matters: Having a middle less than 37.7 inches around cut women’s mortality risk by 23 percent compared with larger waistlines. Less than 35 inches is optimal, so skip trans fats — they can boost belly bulge — and go for avocados and yogurt, which may shrink bloat and tummy fat.
4. What is your total cholesterol level? Ideal: Less than 200 mg/dl
Why it matters: 240 mg/dl and your risk is twice that of someone with levels below 200. And watch your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: Above 160 is high and has been linked to increased rates of stroke and heart disease.
5. How much fiber do you eat per day? Ideal: 25 g
Why it matters: For every 10 grams of fiber you add to your diet, you cut your risk for coronary death by 17 percent, according to a report in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Good sources: legumes (cup of lentils packs 7.8 g) and produce (1 cup of raspberries has 8 g).
6. How many hours of sleep do you get per night? Ideal: 7 to 8
Why it matters: Snooze fewer than six hours a night and you may be 12 percent more likely to die earlier than if you logged six to eight. Getting less than seven hours disrupts hunger-regulating hormones, causing weight gain and related concerns.
7. What is your blood pressure?
Ideal: Under 120/80 mm/HG
Why it matters: Anything between 120/80 and 139/89 indicates prehypertension, which can often be reversed by adopting stress- and weight-management habits. A number above 140/90 signifies full-fledged hypertension (a heart stressor), and you should talk to a doc about regular monitoring.
8. Do you have a pet? Ideal: Yes
Why it matters: Cat owners have a 40 percent lower risk of dying from a heart attack than nonowners. Both felines and canines can reduce loneliness and depression, emotions linked to early mortality. Not ready to adopt your own fur ball? Pet-sit for a pal or walk dogs for an animal shelter.
9. Do you take antioxidant supplements? Ideal: No
Why it matters: Popping beta-carotene and vitamins A and E daily was associated with an up to 16 percent greater mortality risk in a review of 67 studies. Nutrient megadoses may interfere with the body’s natural defense mechanisms, and supplements aren’t subject to rigorous toxicity studies, as pharmaceuticals are. Aim to get your nutrients from an antioxidant-rich diet.
10. Do you wear a seat belt? Ideal: Yes
Why it matters: When drivers and front-seat passengers click in, their risk for fatal injury drops by 45 percent, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. Nearly 7,000 car-accident fatalities might have been prevented in 2008 if the victims had been wearing seat belts. Buckle up!
11. How many alcoholic drinks do you have per day on average? Ideal: About 1
Why it matters: Happy hour, indeed: Moderate alcohol intake has been shown to lower heart disease risk by reducing plaque buildup in arteries. But too much imbibing has been linked to breast cancer. Play it safe and stick to one a day (a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce beer or 1.5 ounces of liquor).
12. Do you smoke? Ideal: No
Why it matters: Cigarettes are the number-one preventable cause of mortality in the United States, responsible for one fifth of deaths annually. Smoking can lead to cancer, diabetes and lung disease — and did you know it also adds years to your looks? Kick butts! Get help at LegacyForHealth.org.
